Ironically, by integrating generative AI tools in schools, we might empower ourselves to focus less on screens and more on human connection, simplifying tasks so that technology becomes a supporting player rather than the main act.

This idea has been rattling around in my head for a while now, partly because it feels so counterintuitive.  The image at the top of this post is a slide from presentations I have been giving lately on AI.   AI is often seen as another layer of technology that increases our dependence on devices, but what if it can actually do the opposite? What if AI’s ability to handle repetitive, time-consuming tasks allowed us to reallocate student time and focus on areas that emphasize creativity, connection, and collaboration?

Take the ubiquitous PowerPoint presentation as an example. Right now, students spend hours designing slides—choosing fonts, aligning images, and adjusting transitions—when the real value lies in the ideas they’re presenting. Imagine if AI could generate the slides for them in minutes, leaving more time for practicing their delivery, refining their arguments, or engaging in meaningful dialogue with peers and teachers about the topic. The focus shifts from the tool to the content, and from the screen to the human interaction.

Or consider note-taking. Today, students often type madly while their teacher is speaking, their eyes glued to their laptops or tablets, trying to capture every word. AI tools can now summarize lectures in real time or even generate notes automatically from audio recordings. With this burden lifted, students could engage more fully in discussions, ask thoughtful questions, or simply listen. This reallocation of attention—from typing to thinking—is where the potential lies.

And it doesn’t stop there. AI can analyze data for science projects, generate essay outlines, and create study guides tailored to individual needs. Each of these tasks, currently requiring significant screen time, could be offloaded to AI, allowing students to spend more time on hands-on experiments, peer reviews, or physical, collaborative activities like building prototypes or role-playing historical events.

 From Efficiency to Human Connection

Initially, it’s easy to think about these shifts in terms of efficiency—getting more done in less time. But I believe there’s a deeper opportunity here, one that’s more human. By removing some of the digital drudgery, we can refocus on the things that make education rich and meaningful: relationships, creativity, and shared experiences.

What if, instead of students individually creating digital flashcards for hours, they spent that time playing learning games together? What if the hours saved from not editing videos for a media project were spent brainstorming as a group or rehearsing for a live presentation? These shifts could bring back the human element that has sometimes felt crowded out by screens.

Even more intriguing is the potential for AI to free up teachers in similar ways. If AI can help with grading or lesson planning, teachers might have more time for one-on-one conversations with students or for designing experiential learning opportunities. The classroom could become less about sitting behind screens and more about shared exploration and growth.

Innovation in AI and Physical Literacy

In West Vancouver, we have been discussing innovation around two key areas: AI and physical literacy. This juxtaposition is intentional, as we begin to think about how these two seemingly opposite areas can work together. On one hand, AI has the potential to simplify and streamline tasks, freeing up time. On the other, physical literacy emphasizes movement, health, and engagement in the physical world. Together, they could create a more balanced and holistic approach to education, where technology supports human connection and physical activity rather than replacing it.

Earlier this month we did a session with school and parent leaders that looked at innovation in these areas and the linkages and it was met with a lot of interest.  My colleague, Assistant Superintendent Sandra-Lynn Shortall also wrote an excellent blog post on some of her thinking in this area earlier this month, Bots, Bodies & Balance: Embracing AI, Movement and Co-Regulation in Education.

A Work in Progress

Of course, I recognize that this vision might be naïve. Technology has a way of creeping into every corner of our lives, and the idea that AI will reduce overall screen time might be overly optimistic. It’s entirely possible that the efficiencies created by AI will simply lead to new tech-based activities filling the gaps, perpetuating the cycle rather than breaking it.

Moreover, this transition would require deliberate choices by educators and school leaders. AI won’t automatically shift the focus to human connection—we have to intentionally design learning environments that prioritize it. This involves rethinking instruction, supporting teachers, and ensuring that we use AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, the human elements of education.  

Embracing the Paradox

The idea that more advanced technology could lead to less reliance on technology feels paradoxical, but perhaps that’s where the real promise lies. If we can embrace AI as a means to simplify, streamline, and refocus, we might find ourselves in a world where technology truly supports learning rather than dominating it. It’s a shift from using tech for tech’s sake to using it as a tool to deepen our humanity.

This is still a work in progress for me—a mix of hope, curiosity, and skepticism. I’d love to hear from others: Do you think AI could lead to less technology use in schools? What would it take to make that happen? And how do we ensure that the efficiencies created by AI translate into richer, more connected learning experiences for our students?

For this post, I used several AI tools (Chat GPT, Claude, Magic School) as feedback helpers to refine my thinking and assist in the editing process.